The fire at Critchlow Labour College on Saturday was reportedly caused by the overheating of outdated electrical panels, which sparked and ignited nearby combustible materials.
According to a release from the Guyana Fire Service, the entire auditorium of the college was destroyed, while the western side of the building sustained water damage.
Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn, who was at the scene of the fire, stated that President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has since spoken with Lincoln Lewis, General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), and Dr Ivor English, the head of Critchlow Labour College. They will be meeting to determine what support is required.
The property, which is owned by the Guyana Trades Union Congress, housed the Critchlow Labour College, University of Excellence, Management and Business, and the Angela Apple White Hercules canteen at the time of the fire.
The building measured 61 metres in length on the southern section, 51 metres in width on the eastern section, 16 metres in length on the northern section, and 46 metres in length on the western section.
Promptly responding to a distress call received at 07:37 hours on Saturday, reporting that Critchlow Labour College at Lot XX Woolford Avenue, Thomas Lands, was on fire, the Guyana Fire Service arrived on the scene within six minutes, at 07:43 hrs. Upon arrival, the blaze had already intensified. Firefighters worked assiduously to contain and later extinguish the fire.
